For 24-year-old Maiava Jocelynette Tafisi Leilua, making Tuiga is more than a creative skill. It is a way of keeping her family heritage alive while helping preserve Samoa’s culture.
Maiava, who has family connections to Tulaele, Pata Falelatai, Afega and Siumu, showcased her Tuiga line, “LAUAO A TINOUSI,” during the Miss Samoa 2026 pageant as part of the Measina Festival.
Lauao a Tinousi represents the women in the lineage of the daughters of Atanoa, with Tinousi being the Taupou of Siumu.
Speaking to Samoa Global News, Maiava said seeing her work presented on the Miss Samoa stage was an emotional moment.
“I felt a mix of emotions, proud and nervous at the same time.”
After spending many late nights working on each piece, Maiava said seeing her Tuiga on stage made all the hard work worthwhile.
“Every Tuiga carries a story, and sharing those stories on such a stage was truly special.”
Maiava began making Tuiga in 2024, the same year she received her malu.
Her interest in making Tuiga began after her aunty, Rina Luatuanuu T. Taumaoe, who owns RWEC Tuiga & Pale Fuiono in New Zealand, gifted her an original Tuiga.
Maiava studied the Tuiga closely before deciding to try making one herself.
“I studied every detail, telling myself, ‘I can craft this.’”
In 2025, she launched Jossy’z Tuiga, a side business where she hires Tuiga to the public. The business has also helped her contribute towards her siblings’ school fees and other family commitments.
Maiava said making Tuiga comes with its own challenges, particularly when it comes to finding materials in Samoa and covering the costs involved.
“Many of the resources I need are hard to find in Samoa, so I have to ask my family and friends from overseas.”
Despite these challenges, Maiava continues to create, driven by her love for Samoa’s culture and the memory of her late grandmother, Atanoa Niuula Leilua.
“Tuiga is our measina, and I believe every tama’ita’i Samoa should help preserve it.”
She said old photographs of her ancestors have also played an important role in her work, particularly when creating “LAUAO A TINOUSI.”
Maiava also credits her parents for supporting her vision and helping her source the materials she needed.
“They never rested until they found the means to support me with the resources I needed.”
For Maiava, every Tuiga represents more than an ornament. It carries history, identity and a story — one she hopes to continue passing on to the next generation.
Alofa Grace is an Intern Reporter and Photographer with Samoa Global News. Alofa Grace is passionate about sharing stories and capturing real moments. She is a graduate of Maluafou College and hopes to continue a career as a Journalist.
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